New Starbucks Secret Menu Drinks Are Refreshing and (Sort of) Healthy

Sara Tane

It's no secret that the further you stray from a cup of black coffee at Starbucks, the more likely it is that your drink is full of unnecessary calories and fat. So, when we saw a colorful palette of new "secret menu" drinks making major waves on social media, we were skeptical. But upon closer examination, these drinks are great alternatives to coffee if you're in the mood for something fruity and summer. Happy sipping!

If you’ve scrolled through Instagram recently, you’re probably no stranger to the eye-catching pink and purple drinks from Starbucks. These new additions to the not-so-secret “secret menu” are part of a collection of vibrantly-colored, coffee-less drinks that also happen to be the perfect cure for the summer heat.

Unlike many specialty Starbucks drinks that are known for being full of sugar and fat (we're looking at you, Frappuccinos and mocha lattes), these clever, refreshing combinations won’t wreck your diet. If you’re up for an adventure at your next stop at Starbucks, these fruity beverages are calling your name.

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Pink Drink

The “Pink Drink” started the whole craze off-menu ordering craze. Consisting of Strawberry Acai Refresher, coconut milk, and strawberries, this sweet concoction is light and fruity.

Purple Drink

Next, the “Purple Drink” is prepared with iced passion tea with vanilla syrup, soy milk, and blackberries. The creaminess of the soy milk is a nice balance to the acidity of the berries.

But we didn’t just stop at the pink and purple drinks. With a little creativity (and an enthusiastic, helpful barista), we tried out a few more fruit-inspired beverages that might just be the next hit on Instagram.

Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher

This one is a Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher with coconut milk and raspberry syrup.

Cool Lime Refresher

Craving citrus? This off-menu beverage features the Cool Lime Refresher, coconut milk, and classic syrup. It's a great option if you’re in the mood for lemonade but don’t want the loads of sugar many fast-food varieties have.

Orange Drink

Lastly, we tried out the up-and-coming “Orange Drink,” and we think it’s the best one yet. Made with orange mango puree, coconut milk, and vanilla syrup, this tasted like a tropical beach sunset.

How to Make Them Healthier

What’s great about all of these options is, well, what makes Starbucks so great: you can customize just about everything. To cut calories and keep it light, stick to low-fat or fat-free coconut, soy, and skim milk. The drinks are all pretty sweet, so we recommend asking for fewer pumps or no pumps of syrup. Sure, the nutritional value of these is nowhere close to a fruit smoothie you could make at home, but there’s something oddly satisfying about ordering off the elusive “secret menu.” Plus, any excuse to go to Starbucks is a good one.